The future of Patriots linebacker Brandon Spikes has been pondered for a while now as the linebacker finished out his final season under his existing deal. Unfortunately now as he gets set to become a free agent, it’s sounding more and more like he’ll be suiting up for someone else next season.

The 26-year old former 2nd round pick out of Florida in 2010 has made a reputation for himself thanks to his physical play and his fiery attitude over the course of his brief career here in New England, which certainly gave the defense a terrific presence inside and a popular guy in the locker room. However, Spikes has also received a lot of criticism for his limited ability in pass coverage and the additions of rookie linebacker Jamie Collins in the draft last offseason and Dont’a Hightower the year before would make you wonder if the team is instead looking for more athletic players at linebacker and perhaps Bill Belichick doesn’t feel as though Spikes fits the mold of what they’re looking for moving forward defensively.

Either way, the fact the two sides haven’t even spoken at this point regarding a new deal isn’t a good sign. Unfortunately it may mean we’ll see someone else wearing #55 when the team eventually opens the 2014 season.